Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson hopeful of players signing new deals

Hearts head coach Robbie Neilson admits he is hopeful of tying a host of players down on news contracts in the near future.

Talks involving midfielder Arnaud Djoum, whose short-term deal expires in January, are already at an advanced stage, while discussions with striker Osman Sow and defender Igor Rossi have also taken place.

A total of nine players are out of contract in January and May

Sow and Rossi are two of eight players that are in the final year of their existing contracts, with Neil Alexander, Scott Gallacher, Blazej Augustyn, Miguel Pallardo, Danny Swanson and Kenny Anderson in a similar position.

Neilson is keen not to waste any time when it comes to extending the deals of players that have contributed to their impressive start to the campaign.

Neilson, whose side remain second in the Premiership following Saturday’s 2-0 win over Hamilton, said: “We’re in negotiations with guys already here and we’re hopeful of getting things tied up pretty quick.

“Everyone seems happy to be here, they’re enjoying themselves and playing regularly. So I don’t think there will be a big problem.”

Neilson, meanwhile, will be without Juanma Delgado for the November 21 visit of Dundee after the striker picked up a one-match ban at the weekend.

The Spaniard was shown his sixth yellow card of the campaign for a foul on Accies defender Gramoz Kurtaj.